Saints and Feasts

February

The second week of Lent holds by way of commemorations for us a true Lenten simplicity. Friday’s Mass provides for us the recognition of Saint David. We remember this sixth-century ascetic monk, associated with Glastonbury Abbey, and as patron of Wales. Otherwise, our week proceeds quietly a bit further into the desert of the Lenten season.

Portsmouth Ordo, Second Week of Lent
Sunday, February 25: Second Sunday of Lent
Monday, February 26: Lenten Weekday
Tuesday, February 27: Lenten weekday
Wednesday, February 28: Lenten weekday
Thursday, February 29: Lenten weekday
Friday, March 1: Lenten weekday (Mass: David, bishop)
Saturday, March 2: Lenten weekday

As we enter “the desert” in this first week of Lent, we are supported by several commemorations this year. Pope Benedict XVI called Peter Damian “one of the most significant figures of the 11th century…, a monk, a lover of solitude and at the same time a fearless man of the Church, committed personally to the task of reform, initiated by the Popes of the time.” The martyr Polycarp is known as one of the three great “Apostolic Fathers,” together with Clement of Rome and Ignatius of Antioch. The Chair of St. Peter reminds us of the rock upon which Christ has built his church, embodied in the “cathedra” of Peter.

Portsmouth Ordo, First Week of Lent
Sunday, February 18: First Sunday of Lent
Monday, February 19: Lenten weekday
Tuesday, February 20: Lenten weekday
Wednesday, February 21: Lenten weekday
(Mass: Peter Damian, bishop & doctor)
Thursday, February 22: Chair of Saint Peter
Friday, February 23: Lenten weekday
(Mass: Polycarp, martyr)
Saturday, February 24: Lenten weekday